How Do You Create Scent Appeal?

“I recommend using lemon or citrus scented candles for showings and running a few lemon wedges through the garbage disposal.” −Christine Spitale, Sunflower Staging, Highland Mills, N.Y.

“Covering up the smell is not the answer. Sometimes it takes a thorough cleaning of carpets, drapes, and upholstery. It also helps to open windows to get air flowing and to clean out the air ducts.” −Barbara Linick, ERA Troy, REALTORS®, San Antonio

“I think that cinnamon and vanilla are the best smells when trying to sell a home. I love to walk into a home and breathe in the fresh scent of cinnamon sticks on the stove or smell a burning vanilla candle.” −Fran Hughes, Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Perimeter, Atlanta

“I always use an electric ceramic crock that can hold small or large glass candles, like from Yankee Candle Co. There’s no risk of fire because there’s no flame; the ceramic crock warms the candle to melt the wax. I’ve used several of these in different places throughout the house, so as you walk through you get different fragrances.” −Linda C. Hardt, Homelynx Home Loans, Fort Myers, Fla.

“I use an odor eliminator called PureAyre that smells like mint. The product can be ‘injected’ into furniture or carpets. It can also be sprayed into the air. When buyers come into a home, many are turned off by the smell of air fresheners or candles. Smart buyers know these are old tricks used to cover up smells, not eliminate them.” −Carol Smith, Creative Home Stagers, Charlotte, N.C.